TAC CUP

Dandenong Stingrays all-time AFL best 22

There’s no shortage of star-power in this side in this Stingrays line-up.

Published by
Aidan O'Carroll

The Dandenong Stingrays have been consistently competitive in the NAB league [previously named the TAC Cup], with six grand final appearances and one premiership since its inception in 1992.

Their strong performances have led to Stingrays products turning into stars at AFL level.

From premierships to All-Australians to best and fairests to Coleman Medals, the names in this side have done it all.

Check down below to see which players have made a name for themselves since graduating from the Stingrays program.


Defenders

The Dandenong Stingrays have developed an array of skilful defenders that any opposition forward line would be afraid to come up against.

Triple premiership Lion Justin Leppitsch leads the way for the defenders with skills and leadership being key in the Lions success in the early 2000s. Along with the three-peat, 'Leppa' attained a best and fairest award and three All-Australians.

Up and coming Blues defender Jacob Weitering holds the other key position spot in the side due to his continued improvement into one of the best defenders in the game. Highlighted by a Carlton best and fairest award last year.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 19: Jacob Weitering of the Blues kicks the ball during the round 7 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on July 19, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Other inclusions into this star-studded backline are star Bulldog Matthew Boyd, two-time All-Australian Saint Austinn 'Aussie' Jones and silky GWS defenders Lachie Whitfield and Nick Haynes.

Notable Stingrays alumni in defence in the AFL include a pair of Saints in Zak Jones and Hunter Clark and Carlton defender Nic Newman.


Midfielders

A mix of current and past midfielders make up the engine room of former Stingrays products.

Highlighting the lineup in the centre circle is star Swan Luke Parker. The inside midfielder is a classy player and his current count of 235-games has produced a premiership, an All-Australian and three best and fairests.

Other ex-Stingrays that have become household names include ex-Giants Adam Treloar, Tom Scully and Dylan Shiel, as well as Demons cult figure Nathan Jones.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 13: Adam Treloar poses during a Western Bulldogs AFL media opportunity at Whitten Oval on November 13, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The ruck position goes to Demon Jeff White who was a quality ruckman who earned a best and fairest as well as All-Australian honours in 2004.

Current Stingrays alumni in the midfield young Kangaroo Luke Davies-Uniacke and upcoming Docker Hayden Young.

SEE ALSO: Northern Knights all-time AFL best 22


Forwards

The Stingrays forward line boasts some serious top-end talent with a dynamic of big key forwards along with quality crumbing small-forwards.

All-time greats Brendan Fevola and Stephen Milne headline the forwards, with both possessing amazing goal-kicking prowess that led to them becoming such successful players in the AFL.

Fevola was a two-time Coleman Medallist who led Carlton's goalkicking for seven years in a row, totalling 623-goals over his 204-game career.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Brendan Fevola of the Blues gathers the ball during a Carlton Blues AFL training session at Visy Park on June 8, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

Milne turned into one of the best small-forwards in the game, kicking an impressive 575-goals in 275-games, which included two All-Australians and is a four-time St Kilda leading goalkicker.

Other inclusions into this talented forward line include triple premiership Tiger Tom Lynch, premiership Demon James Harmes, ex-Bomber and Docker Adam McPhee and young exciting Bulldog Cody Weightman.

Other alumni from Shepley Oval in the forward line currently include Carlton tall Tom De Koning and Saints forward Josh Battle.


Interchange

Past Stingrays players to become more than handy AFL players that make this side include ex-Tiger Chris Newman, premiership Hawk Trent Croad, skilled Demon Travis Johnstone, All-Australian Bulldog Bailey Dale and premiership Demon Michael Hibberd.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 27: Bailey Dale of the Bulldogs kicks a goal during the 2018 AFL round six match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium on April 27, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)


The 'best of the Dandenong Stingrays' side: 

FB: Matthew Boyd, Jacob Weitering, Nick Haynes

HB: Austinn Jones, Justin Leppitsch, Lachie Whitfield

C: Dylan Shiel, Nathan Jones, Tom Scully

HF: James Harmes, Brendan Fevola, Adam McPhee

FF: Stephen Milne, Tom Lynch, Cody Weightman

FO: Jeff White, Luke Parker, Adam Treloar

INT: Chris Newman, Trent Croad, Travis Johnstone, Bailey Dale, Michael Hibberd [sub]

Published by
Aidan O'Carroll